She will report directly to Donald G. Southwell, Kemper’s chairman, president and chief executive Officer. In her new role, Lynch will be responsible for Kemper Specialty, Kemper Direct and Kemper Services Group, in addition to continuing to lead the Kemper Preferred business.

Lynch joined the company in January 2009, and is based in Jacksonville, Fla. Prior to joining Kemper, she served as vice president of sales and marketing excellence for the property and casualty insurance operations of The Hartford.

In a related move, James A. Schulte, 63, announced his resignation as property & casualty group executive, effective November 30, 2012, as he seeks to spend more time with his family and to evaluate other opportunities.

“Jim has been an outstanding member of our leadership team, and I’d like to thank him for his many contributions over the past 11 years. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” said Southwell. “In addition, I’d like to congratulate Denise on this promotion, and have every confidence in her leadership for our property and casualty businesses going forward.”